Show Date: 30 Oct 09
If you could hear me now, I’d be howling! 
Happy Halloween from Garden Bite!
Those Nightcrawlers used for fishing are actually invaders!
Nightcrawler
Brought over from Europe they are now invading our forests due to being dumped by fisherman. I was very surprised by information from the University of Minnesota concerning the destruction of forest floors:
I’ll stick to Gummi Worms!
Gummi worms
Show Date: 29 Oct 09
The night before Halloween was called “Mischief Night” where I lived on the east coast.
What mischief might lurk in the garden at night?
Raccoons living in a tree we cut down
Toad
Shrew
Badger
Show Date: 28 Oct 09
Buckthorn is the bane of our State Parks and many urban landscapes.
Buckthorn
This extremely invasive shrub has not been sold here since 1930 and yet continues to threaten our native species.
To find out how to identify this beast and what to do check out this article and website: MN DNR invasives
There are numerous types of bird feeders. What will work best for you can only be determined by what birds you’d like to see and how willing you are to share the bird food with squirrels!
We installed flashing on the sides of this feeder in an attempt to keep the squirrels away. Notice I said “attempt”!
Water is critical to keep the birds coming. Here’s more information from the Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources:
Show Date: 26 Oct 09
Nothing helps ease the pain of driving through a slushy rush hour than coming home and watching the birds feast at our feeders.
Cardinals
Black sunflower seeds are the most popular food among the most variety of birds. For more information check out the Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources: Bird feeding
Show Date: 23 Oct 09
You plant bulbs with abandon and then the squirrels show up! Little %&^&*? bulb eaters!
Tenacious bulb eater
Consider laying chicken wire on top of your bulb plot and cover with straw so you remember the chicken wire is there!
A product called Tree Guard, which contains Bitrex, has been used to coat bulbs to prevent the squirrels from bothering them. Apparently it has a bitter taste. I’ve not tried it but wanted to make sure you knew this is an option. The product contains latex which keeps it adhered to the bulbs.
Show Date: 22 Oct 09
Bunnies have already been ravaging my carpet roses, barberries and weigela. ARG! Fiberglass electric fence posts and chicken wire to the rescue.
Rabbit and deer deterent
There are also a couple of products that I and other Master Gardeners recommend.
Show Date: 21 Oct 09
Nothing says Fall like roasting pumpkin seeds!
Roasted pumpkin seed mix
Pumpkins that have a lot of lines and are dark in color generally have more seeds inside. If you’re looking to bake a pie, choose a sugar pumpkin that weighs about 5 pounds.
Pumpkin is loaded with beta carotene, an important anti-oxidant. And it’s also good for your dog! For recipes click on the “Recipes” tab at the top of the page.
By the way, I don’t even bother to rinse the seeds before I roast them, just get the goop off.
Show Date: 20 Oct 09
When you use stencils for carving it’s best to pick smooth pumpkins. You want the stem to be long enough to use as a handle. If you break the stem, don’t worry, just cut out the bottom.
Free stencils: Celebrating Halloween DotCom Women stencils
To prolong the life of your carved pumpkin cover the cuts with Vaseline. This will hold the moisture in longer to keep it from shriveling.
Show Date: 19 Oct 09
Pumpkins and gourds and squash, oh my!
Gourds Galore
Stuffing kids clothes with overflowing leaves is a fun way to get the kids involved in raking up those leaves! Close the holes with rubber bands and place the “dressed” leaf people at your door, leaning against a tree or (eek) hanging from a tree!
Pumpkins and grasses
Adding ornamental grasses adds texture, form and color.
I recently read an article about how much bacteria is on those bags and it was frightening. We use them for all kinds of things and then don't always think to wash them.
It's easy to just toss them in with a load of clothes or, if they're the more plastic type, hand wash them.
